We are now officially half way through the first term or 1/8 through the entire school year. Time is passing so quickly and we need to ensure we take the time to make memories and make the most of our opportunities. Summer is also officially over but there is still some sting in the temperatures and we need to continue to be sun safe at all times.

This week has seen the Coota Primary Gala day, where our students thoroughly enjoyed themselves,  the first School Board meeting and P & F meeting for the year as well as lots of teaching and learning. There is still much to come in this term and the P & F are busy organizing a food stall at the Festival of Lights on 25 March and the reinvigorated Colour Run on 31 March. More details will come closer to the event. It is timely though to thank the generous parents who give up their time and donate their skills to continue to support our school, whether it be in an advisory capacity on the Board or in cooking and assisting with the P & F. Our school is all the better for the efforts of these wonderful people. Keep an eye out for the AGMs which will be in the coming weeks and months.

Over the holidays Mr Liles and Mr Thompson along with the assistance of Mr Maxwell installed the latest addition to our school and community pavers. The newest offering is in the Infants playground at the entrance to the labyrinth. If you purchased a paver in the latest instalment please make sure you drop by to have a look. (My photography skills are not very good and I do not do the pavers justice).

Don’t forget that the school photos are at the end of the month and we want to make sure that all students have the opportunity to have memories of this school year. Please do not book appointments for this day. We will make arrangements to the school day considering that it is a Friday and traditionally a secondary sport day.

Next week I will be attending the Archdiocesan Principal’s System Day and Retreat. This is an important opportunity to consider the goals and initiatives for the diocese and to learn about what other schools are doing to improve the outcomes and wellbeing of their students. Please contact the Leadership of the school in my absence if there are any pressing issues.

Avoid the restrictions of COVID the opportunity for staff to take leave is now possible. Mr Mahon leaves this weekend for a months tour overseas. No doubt his classes will hear of his exploits when he returns. Mr Ian Goodochkin will take over Mr Mahon’s class until he returns next term. We wish Tim and Denise safe travels and a wonderful restful time.

In coming weeks there are many representative sporting options starting with the next level swimming carnivals this Monday and Tuesday. We wish all our students the best of luck and we know they will continue to make our school proud with their efforts and skills. A reminder that representation is a privilege and students must ensure that they are complying with all school expectations – behaviour and school work  - if they would like to participate in representative opportunities. This also includes the expectation that they catch up on any work that they miss in their absence. A screen shot on an ipad does not suffice as “catching up”.

Some of our Year 4 students are enthusiastically participating in the First Eucharist sacramental preparation of a Thursday afternoon. Thank you to Mrs Maxwell, Sr Kathy and the Stage 3 teachers for their support of this important instruction. Please keep them all in your prayers.

Since the start of the year there have been major refurbishments happening in the church. The painters have finished painting the entire interior of the church and currently the carpet layers are busily installing the new carpet. We are looking forward to having the church building back in action and thank the teachers and student in secondary who have helped in setting and packing up for Mass every week whilst the church is out of action. Fr Lolesio is still visiting family in Samoa and we are looking forward to his return in coming weeks. We have missed his smiling face and spiritual support.

If you are still not connected to the COMPASS platform please make this a priority over the weekend. If you are having difficulties please call into the school. It is vital that you are connected to all our communications and information on the COMPASS platform.

Remember to always practice kindness. It truly does make the world a better place.

God Bless.

Ms Nicky Trinder

Principal